Cow-calf producers often rely on calving systems shaped by their own experience or from the trusted advice of respected peers within the industry. These approaches can be highly individual and reflect a wide range of influencing factors, including regional climate conditions, herd size, available facilities and management goals.

Most calves are born as nature intended, but some are determined to enter the world facing the wrong direction. For these occasional events, it’s critical to understand the anatomical and timing challenges presented.

What’s normal for beef cattle? The pastoral scene is common in many beef cattle systems in the eastern U.S. Calving occurs outdoors, where the air is fresh and the environment is clean. What is the message for dairy, and can we do better? What are the focus areas we should consider?

Calving is not a disease; it is a stage that needs to be managed and how that is done will impact a cow for her entire lactation. Best practices for transitioning a cow from far-off fresh to her lactation group has a host of areas that need focused attention by the entire management team on the dairy. 

A well-prepared calving area with proper equipment that emphasizes safety and accessibility, ensuring proper cattle nutrition and having a solid emergency plan with detailed records to fall back on will serve you well.

Here are seven tips for ensuring your cows, calves and handlers have the easiest and safest time possible when it comes to calving.

Across the Midwest, spring calving season is just around the corner. Sometimes grueling but often beloved and fulfilling, calving season is an incredibly important time of year for cow-calf producers.